Pet Store Minnows as Bait?

[M_Duong60]

Was just lying around when I came up with this idea and I know that petstores sell rosy red minnows for $1 a dozen. I looked on the internet and apparently it works but some say it is illegal. Although I cannot find this at the moment so it might be a rumor.

Anyway has anyone tried this?

[M_Duong60]

From what I can see I don't think it is illegal and can't find anything on it. The rosy red minnow is a strain of the fat head minnow and seems like with the color it could work.

[kayak456]

That would be invasive species. Don't do it

[J.A. Veil]

Anglers in Annapolis sells a pint of regular local minnows for $4. That includes several dozen. There are other minnow vendors around the DC/Baltimore region. Or you can purchase a minnow trap and catch your own. During the winter months, I can keep minnows in a minnow bucket in my garage for 3-4 weeks. I change the water every few days.

[M_Duong60]

Not sure if it would be invasive because they are on the bottom of the food chain, but was just spit balling an idea. I have been thinking of getting a fish trap but am unsure of where to set it.

Although as you said I might just gather together a couple dozen to keep in my garage.

[mytmouse]

Minnows are very hardy fish... I imagine that the folk fishing the rosey reds are doing so in freshwater? I have never seen anyone introduce one to a salty environment... Although I wouldn't be surprised if they could. I would imagine their red color might trigger a few more bites but who knows?

Minnows can easily be kept easily with minimum effort... You could always setup a bank tank... But the time you'd be waiting for the big ones to breed I'm sure you'd be ready to fish with them! Lol. Now a good idea if you just want them on hand is to setup a tank with a filter and they'll last forever. And when your supply dwindles low just restock from a baitshop. And u don't have to get crazy with it... You can so this in a plastic tub if you really wanted to. And just feed them some fish flakes. The key is keeping the halfway clean and oxygenated.

[M_Duong60]

I have multiple tanks lying around that I could use. Now all I need is a filter.....

And what is a "bank tank" if I might ask?

[M_Duong60]

and yes I looked on the crappie.com forums and they're people there who have claimed to use them with success.

[mytmouse]

I would have never even thought to use them! And they would be a perfect size for small panfish. They don't get as big as the ones at the ones that Are sold at bait shops.

As far as bank tank... That's a product of me responding on my cellphone and autocomplete messing upbwhat I want to say! Although I like the sound of bank tank! You deposit Minnows and make withdrawals when its time to go fishing! LOL

[M_Duong60]

Oh lol...

[dsiekman]

That would be invasive species. Don't do it

I'd have to agree with 456's concern. Just a thought, it'd be great to have a relationship with someone at DNR we could run this sort of thing by for an official thumbs up/thumbs down.

[M_Duong60]

I mean they are fathead minnows but red and I wouldn't release them if I used them. Although I agree that there should be a concern and I will try to look for someone to call before I try.

[kayak456]

if they arent native to that body of water DONT do it, it could lead to major lawsuits at worst. it doesnt matter if they are at the bottom of the food chain. what if they eat fish eggs or something? just think how badly they could affect the ecosystem.

[M_Duong60]

I appreciate the concern but I was going to call the DGIF before I even think about trying. I just posted this because I am aware that minnows are hard to find in the winter months and was again spit balling. And you are right things could go very wrong if they are invasive. If I ever fish with minnows (probably wont) I will most likely just buy a trap.